By Rev. Gary Pomrenke
Prior to my becoming a LCMS pastor, I served in the Air Force for twenty-five years. I enjoyed military life because there was an expectation of each member which contributed to the wellness of the whole. It was simple … meet the expectation and you will enjoy career success. As I transitioned into pastoral ministry, I realized that there is an expectation here as well. The expectation of church workers has a much bigger scope that that of being a Senior NCO in the Air Force. Not only are we responsible to our heavenly Father, but also to synod leadership, district leadership, church leadership, and lastly to our congregation. That’s a hefty pecking order. I have found that pleasing everyone on that list is impossible. Only Christ Himself could accomplish that immense task.
So, what do we do when that list begins to crush us and continually robs us of our joy? Well, first and foremost, we must remind ourselves what an immense honor it is to serve our Triune God. Than we must prioritize opinions (complaints) and base their importance on the validity of each complaint. That can be a daunting thing to do, because some things are more important to others than it may be to you or to the success of your ministry. This delicate dance can wreak havoc on a church worker. This is especially true to this “A-Type” personality who thrives on pleasing the people in his life. So, what do we do when this becomes a struggle and it starts to effect the quality of our lives and our ministries?
When we get bogged down in the minutia of ministry, we must have the ability or a source that will and can provide a “re-set” and “re-fill” for us, equipping us for greater successes in ministry. It can be going fishing, playing a round of golf, reading, some form of music or art, or maybe even a focused prayer time. I experienced this “re-set” and “re-fill” just this past weekend. My wife and I went to see Brandon Lake & Phil Wickham at the Capital One Arena this past Sunday evening (11th). I hoped for a good concert, but what I received was a worship experience unlike anything that I have experienced in quite a while. Both artists were amazing. They performed together for most of the concert. To watch twelve thousand plus people with their hands in the air worshipping our God and King was overwhelming. Encompassing the magnitude of that size of group praising the Lord in the middle of Washington D.C. was truly amazing. I left that place, restored and refreshed and ready for the next challenges that ministry may bring. Finding what helps “re-set” and “re-fresh” you may require some focused thought. You may find that “re-fill” in the craziest of places, but what works … works.
When we are overwhelmed, remember that we serve a savior that asks us to come to Him for rest and that “re-set” that we so desperately need. We are reminded of this in Matthew 11:28-30 which says:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
He gives us the tools, it is up to us to use them. Amen?
Rev. Gary R. Pomrenke
Pastor, New Hope Lutheran Church
Chesterfield, Va